Repeat The Feat?

Nuggets to win the NBA title (+450)

A little over a week ago, the Nuggets did something most people in the Mile High City never thought they’d see. They hoisted a championship banner to the rafters at Ball Arena.

The moment capped off a magic-carpet ride through last year’s NBA Playoffs, a run that saw Denver got 16-4 during the postseason en route to their first-ever title. The dominated the Timberwolves, Suns, Lakers and Heat to become champs.

Now that the banner is hung, it’s time to turn their attention to the encore. The question is simple in Denver: Can the Nuggets repeat the feat?

They’re the favorites in the West, but not in the Association. Let’s assess.

What to like about the Nuggets…

• Denver is off to a blistering start. There certainly doesn’t seem to be a hangover in the Mile High City, as they’ve come out of the gates strong. The Nuggets are 4-0, having dispatched of the Lakers and Jazz at home, while notching road ins at Memphis and Oklahoma City. So far, they certainly aren’t pacing themselves or easing back into things. Denver appears adamant about proving that last season wasn’t a fluke.

• Nikola Jokic remains the best player in the league. Much to the chagrin of the naysayers, the Nuggets center dominates a game unlike anyone else. And he’s showing no signs of slowing down. Thus far, the Joker is averaging 26.5 points, 12.3 rebounds and 8.5 assists per game. He’s already racked up two triple-doubles, moving into a tie with LeBron James and Jason Kidd on the NBA’s all-time list in that category.

• Denver’s offense is operating at a high level. They’re averaging 116.3 points per game, which is in the top 10. But they’re doing it efficiently. They’re No. 1 in field goals per outing, averaging 47.3 per night. They’re also tops in field-goal percentage at 53.8%. Everyone in their starting five is averaging double digits, led by Jokic and Jamal Murray, both of whom are pouring in more than 20 points per game.

What not to like about the Nuggets…

• The Western Conference is going to be a gauntlet. Yes, Denver has the best odds of anyone in the group to win the title, but there are a number of teams stacked behind them. The Suns made a big move in the offseason, adding Bradley Beal. The Clippers just brought in James Harden. The Lakers are motivated by what they perceive as disrespect from the Nuggets. And the Warriors eliminated the distraction of Jordan Peele. All four have a legit shot to win the West.

• Michael Porter Jr. continues to struggle. After having a hard time hitting shots during last year’s playoff run, especially in the NBA Finals, the forward is off to a bit of a slow start this season. He has the lowest shooting percentage of any Nuggets starting, hitting at just a 45.2% clip. As a result, he’s seeing his minutes limited, as MPJ is only on the court a little over 25 minutes per game. That’s a situation to watch in Denver.

• The Nuggets don’t have a ton of depth. Bruce Brown was their most-important bench player during the postseason. He left for a big free-agent deal in Indiana. Now, Denver has to hope someone else develops, with Christian Braun being the most likely candidate to assume those critical minutes.

Jason Schlefsky’s Pick: Nuggets win the NBA title (+450)

Any time the defending champs aren’t the favorite to repeat, it’s worth considering a futures wager. There’s great value to be had. Throw in the fact that the Nuggets are returning their entire starting five, which includes the likely Most Valuable Player of the league and a budding star who is finally healthy for an entire season, and Denver is a great option. The fact that they’re getting slightly disrespected plays right into Michael Malone’s hands. The head coach already has Denver playing inspired basketball.